EACC Raids Kiambu Governor Wamatangi and Top Officials Over Graft Claims

Detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Tuesday raided the office and residence of Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi over allegations of embezzlement and conflict of interest.

The operation also targeted nine senior county officials, all of whom are under investigation for suspected mismanagement of public funds. The raid follows months of mounting pressure from local leaders demanding accountability and transparency in the county’s financial operations.

Governor Wamatangi, who succeeded former Governor Ferdinand Waititu—currently serving a prison sentence for a Ksh588 million corruption conviction—has come under scrutiny for allegedly reverting to a manual payment system, a move critics say has enabled ghost workers to siphon public funds.

In February 2024, Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa sounded the alarm, claiming that the switch from an automated system had led to fraudulent payments exceeding Ksh390 million. He also alleged that 15 county officers had unlawfully amassed over Ksh500 million and that over 200 individuals were irregularly contracted by the county.

Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah and Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a echoed these concerns in November 2024, urging the EACC and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to act on findings from the Auditor General’s report that pointed to serious financial discrepancies.

Ichung’wah, who also serves as National Assembly Majority Leader, stated: “Whether you are an MCA or a governor, your days are numbered. Let EACC and DCI investigate and prosecute.”

The EACC has yet to issue a formal statement following the Tuesday raids, but sources indicate that the operation marks a significant step in a broader probe into the county’s financial dealings.